US loses 81 aircraft and drones in Iran war, CRS report reveals
A Congressional Research Service analysis finds that the United States has lost or damaged 81 aircraft, including fighters, drones and support planes, since the conflict with Iran began.
According to a new Congressional Research Service briefing, the United States has suffered the loss or damage of 81 aircraft since the Iran conflict began, encompassing a range of high-value platforms. Among the most notable were a damaged F-35A stealth fighter, twelve F-15E Strike Eagles that were either destroyed or heavily damaged, and eight additional F-15Es that sustained minor damage during Iranian strikes on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
The tally also includes at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, which has cut the drone fleet to 135 operational units. Further losses comprise a fifth-generation F-34A valued at over $92 million, a $270 million E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft, and an A-10 Thunderbolt II, with another A-10 damaged in the September attack. Additional assets lost or damaged span MC-130J, HH-60W, MQ-4C, MQ-1, AH-64, AH-6, and MH-60 helicopters.
US Central Command estimates the war’s total cost at $43.6 billion, reflecting a recent increase of $5 billion. The White House and the Pentagon have not responded to requests for comment.
Why it matters
The scale of U.S. aircraft losses highlights the financial and operational strain of the Iran conflict.
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